Drifts formed on weak sugary faceted surface snow, in many areas capped by a rime crust from early last week. The very weak and well preserved faceted snow from early January is a persistent weak layer that may haunt us for some time to come. In most areas a slab layer consisting of harder snow above the weakness is lacking, but drifting from stronger winds yesterday and overnight probably built up the slabs in places. The snow structure is especially bad at lower and mid elevations and where the snowpack is generally shallow. You could trigger avalanches in these conditions remotely, from a distance or below. Persistent slabs 1 to 2 feet deep are possible at all elevations on slopes facing west through north through east....

Stronger ridge-top winds overnight and this morning increased the danger of wind slab avalanches at upper elevations and on exposed slopes. Watch out for wind slabs on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub-ridges, gullies, and scoops. Stiff fresh wind slabs could be around a foot deep and might be deeper in places. Avoid wind drifts on steep slopes, which often appear smooth or rounded and chalky looking, and they sometimes sound rather hollow. Stiff wind slabs might allow you to get out on them before releasing. Cracking and audible collapsing in drifted snow are red flags requiring reevaluation of your route... You could trigger dangerous wind slab avalanches if you venture onto steep recently drifted slopes...